He tossed a few pieces to the adults, looking in one direction and throwing it in another. The youngsters were greatly excited about the "birthday" party when it was not really anyone's birthday. "This is the Mad Hatter's tea party!" one of them noted. "The real un-birthday party [recalling Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland ]!" Baba looked especially happy to be among these little ones. The soundtrack album from the musical film The King and I was played throughout. He left at about 3:00 P.M. and went back to his house, while the children went for rides in the gondola on the lake.
As Baba was carried into the Barn on Sunday morning, 25 May 1958, everyone stood up and shouted, "Avatar Meher Baba ki jai!" It was raining hard and Baba greeted them, observing:
Fine weather today! It is my mood reflected. You have no idea how I suffered last night. This morning I am very happy. I want you all to take care of your health. Don't get colds. One will catch it from the other; all will get it and then it will come to me! At the sahavas in India, devotees came from all over India, and some came with the flu, especially the first group. All were happy to be with me and to participate in the sahavas. There were some who sneezed and coughed, and it started spreading throughout the camp. The last days, however, passed off very well.
A telegram has been sent to Francis Brabazon, and we have sent a telegram to India. I informed Mehera that I am leaving here on the 30th. But Lud [Dimpfl] and Ned [Foote] are not certain about it — or about anything!
Last night was unbelievable. This morning, despite the weather, I feel very happy. Directly after our session in the Barn today, I will go to my house. There is a group of women I want there between 1:00 P.M. and 1:30 P.M. After they leave my house, all the rest of the ladies may join me there. So today until 4:00 P.M., no one should leave the Center. Tomorrow Margaret's group of dancers will give a performance. The day after tomorrow, Mike Loftus will arrange a program by the men. On the 28th, all the men are invited to my house. The 29th is reserved for packing the luggage. The afternoon is a holiday for all. I may come to the Barn, to the beach. Is it clear to you all?